Batch Sparge pros and cons

[grainbrew]

I have read the threads regarding batch sparging, and will try this for my next batch.

I'm aware of the pros of this method. Its simplicity and time efficiency makes it very appealing.

What are the cons? Other than a mentioned decrease, although minimal, in efficiency, are there other reasons why this method is not used by all?

Thanks,

J

[BrewDog]

A 5% drop in efficiency for a 10lb batch of grain is half a pound.
Multiply that out for thousands of pounds and you see why breweries can't batch sparge. It would be too cost prohibitive.

[Brownbeard]

Well sure, but we are not using thousands of pounds of grain here. And, I get 78%-82% efficiency with my batch sparge setup. Not too shabby.

[kevin]

I batch and for me it's more of a convience issue, I always fall between 68 - 72%.

[grainbrew]

The reason I'm asking is because, well, like most of you, I like building things and gear, and was considering making a sparge arm with drain on my liquor pot.

This would be useless with batch sparging...

J

[ray m]

That is very true, grainbrew. I kinda had fun building my new mash/lauter tun for my new batch sparge endeavor. Didn't take a long time, but I get a little satisfaction knowing that I can very successfully make beer using equipment that I made myself.

The only "con" I can think of is the decrease in efficiency which to me is no big deal anyway. I guess it all depends on what you want to do, fly- or batch-sparge.

[grainbrew]

I think most of us enjoy building or making things. So I don't know which way I'll go. As it is now, my brewery is very very simple.

This being said, I tasted my first all grain tonight. WOW! Not to brag or anything, but it has that quality that I could never put my finger on when I got beers from local micros. There's a "something" about it. I'm practically in shock. I've brewed from kits that had 5 gallons of wort, and all I had to do is add the yeast, but this all grain is in a world of its own.

I'm going to batch sparge for my next brew. I just bought a propane burner, should achieve a better boil without the cover now.

[Trapshooter]

I batch and end up with 75-78%. Not too bad.